Prerequisites
Participants must already be certified in First Aid and/or CPR, or be enrolled in an equivalent Red Cross course.
American Red Cross Skill Boost
Anaphylaxis &
Epinephrine Administration
This American Red Cross Skill Boost helps trained responders recognize anaphylaxis and provide care using epinephrine devices until EMS arrives.
Skill Boost
Instructor-Led
Auto-Injector + Optional Nasal Spray
Quick Course Facts
Important details before taking this Red Cross Skill Boost.
Course Length
Lesson length is approximately 45 minutes, or 50 minutes when optional nasal spray content is included.
Certification
Participants who successfully complete the course receive an American Red Cross certificate valid for 2 years.
Devices Covered
Core training includes epinephrine auto-injector use, with optional instruction on epinephrine nasal spray administration.
How This Skill Boost Is Built
Designed around recognizing anaphylaxis fast and helping a person receive epinephrine correctly.
Core Training
Recognizing Anaphylaxis
Students learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a life-threatening allergic reaction and understand why rapid action matters.
- Recognize severe allergic reaction symptoms
- Understand why 9-1-1 must be called
- Know when immediate care comes first
Core Skill
Auto-Injector Administration
Students practice using an epinephrine auto-injector training device, from verifying the medication to noting the time given.
- Verify the medication properly
- Locate the outside middle of the thigh
- Administer and note the time correctly
Optional Skill
Nasal Spray Administration
When included, students also practice administering epinephrine using a nasal spray training device.
- Hold the device correctly
- Insert the nozzle properly
- Deliver the dose and note the time
Upcoming Anaphylaxis & Epinephrine Administration Classes
Register for an upcoming American Red Cross anaphylaxis course.
Course Schedule
No upcoming classes are posted yet.
Check back soon or contact us about private training.
Course Details
What This Course Covers
This American Red Cross Skill Boost was developed to address the need for training in administering epinephrine to a person experiencing anaphylaxis.
Main Focus
Recognizing anaphylaxis and helping a person receive epinephrine quickly
Core Skill
Administering epinephrine using an auto-injector
Optional Topic
Administering epinephrine using a nasal spray
Certification
2-year American Red Cross certificate upon successful completion
Why It Matters
Built for Emergencies Where Fast Action Matters
Anaphylaxis can become life-threatening within seconds or minutes. This course helps trained responders recognize symptoms, call for help, and assist with epinephrine administration until EMS takes over.
Best For
Schools, childcare settings, workplaces, athletic staff, camps, churches, and organizations with allergy risk
Emergency Steps
Reinforces CHECK—CALL—CARE in anaphylaxis response
Important Note
Always follow state law, local protocol, facility policy, and the manufacturer instructions for the specific device used
What You’ll Learn
Major topics covered in American Red Cross Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Administration training.
Recognizing Anaphylaxis
- Define what anaphylaxis is and how it is caused
- Recognize serious allergic reaction signs and symptoms
- Understand that anaphylaxis can become severe quickly
- Know why 9-1-1 should always be called
Epinephrine Basics
- Understand how epinephrine helps slow or stop anaphylaxis
- Recognize the difference between prescribed and stock epinephrine
- Understand device storage and inspection basics
- Know when a second dose may be considered
Auto-Injector Skill
- Verify the medication label and show it to the person
- Remove the safety cap or device lock
- Administer into the outside middle of the thigh
- Massage the site and note the time of administration
Optional Nasal Spray Skill
- Hold the nasal spray device correctly
- Insert the nozzle until fingers touch the nose
- Press the plunger firmly to release the dose
- Note the time and watch for changes in condition
Common Questions
Quick answers for students and organizations considering American Red Cross anaphylaxis training.
Is this a stand-alone course?
No. This is a Red Cross Skill Boost designed to build on First Aid,
CPR, or equivalent prerequisite training.
Do I need certification before taking this course?
Yes. Participants must already be certified in First Aid and/or CPR,
or be enrolled in an equivalent Red Cross course.
Does this include nasal spray training?
Auto-injector training is the required core skill. Nasal spray
training may also be included as optional content.
How long is certification valid?
Successful participants receive a Red Cross certificate valid for 2 years.